Manchester United sacks struggling Ten Hag
Erik ten Hag has been sacked by Manchester United in the wake of just one win in eight games across all competitions.
United lost 2-1 to West Ham, and that defeat at London Stadium has proved the final straw for the club's ownership.
The Dutchman, who was only rewarded with a new contract in the summer after a win over Manchester City in the FA Cup final, had won just one of his last eight matches in charge.
United confirmed in a statement that Ten Hag, who joined the club from Ajax in 2022, had left his role.
"We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future," the statement read.
United announced that Ruud van Nistelrooy, who joined Ten Hag's coaching staff this past summer, will take charge as interim head coach during the club's search for a permanent replacement.
The Red Devils sit 14th in the Premier League, having won three and lost four of their opening nine games. They have also drawn all three of their Europa League matches.
Ten Hag can point to his side missing chances this season – in fact, United has the biggest negative differential between expected goals and goals scored in the Premier League this season (eight goals scored from 14.6 xG).
However, defensively it has been poor for large swathes of Ten Hag's tenure. Indeed, since his first Premier League match in charge in August 2022, United has registered an xG against (xGA) of 136.
While it has only conceded 112 goals, its xGA is the fifth-worst of any ever-present Premier League side in that time.
Ten Hag departs having led United to two trophies – the EFL Cup in 2022-2023 and last season's FA Cup.
